Short-circuiting device for motor commutators



j y i July 24, 1928. 4 1,678,517

E. P. LARsH SHORT CIRCUITING DEVICE FOR MOTOR COMMUTATORS Filed March 5, 1920 Patented 1111124.!928;

- SHOBT-OIBQUITING DEVICE FOR MOTOR COMMUTATORS.

a etite fled nmt 5, 1920. Serial no. 3153.402.

' This invention relates to electric motors and more particularly to a short'circuiting or operation changing device for alternating current motors the repulsion-induction type, by which .the motor is automatically changed from a repulsion starting oondition'toan induction running condition and vice-versa, in accordance with variations of speed.

The object of the invention is to simplify the structure as well asthe means and mode of operation of such circuit changin de-- vices whereby they will not only be c ea ened in construction, but will be more -e 7 cient in use, automatic in operation, uniform in W action, automatically controlled, and unlikely to get outfof repair.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved means-operated by cen- 2 trifugal force by which the commutator bars are automatically connected with a common electrical conductor which will promptl respond to variations. of speed above an below a predetermined rate of rotation.

A further object of the invention is to provide a short circuiting or current changing device, which will have a wiping action insuring perfect electrical contact, in which this wiping action will be further eflected under yielding pressure thereby obviating any chatter or vibration and the incident arcing and burning of the contact surfaces.

A further object of the invention is to rovide means for controlling the movement 88 of the short circuiting or current changing members whereby their movement to effect the'alternation of the motor from repulsion to'induction operation and vice-versa will be effected by a quick movement in either direction. I

" A further object of the invention is to provide such a-short circuiting or current changing device which will be compact, of few parts, and having no pivotjoints, nor

' indirect movement, but in which the current controlling devices are directly operated by centrifugal tendency.

With the above primary and other incidental-objects in view as will more fully 80 appear. in the specification, the invention consistsof the features of construction, the parts and combinations thereof, and the mode of operation, or their equivalents, as hereinafter described and set "forth in the 5 claims. s

Referring to the drawings, Fig. 1 is a.

longitudinal sectional view of an electric motor to which the present invention has been apphed. Fi 2 is an end view of the commutator and s ort circuiting or current changing device forming the subject matter hereof, ortions of which have been broken away. ig. 3 is a detail perspective view of a series of contact slugs, illustrating the manner of assembly upon the elastic retainer. Figs. 4 and 5 are detail sectional views showing the contact members or short circuiting 'devices in different positions of ad- -]ust'ment with the motor at rest in Fig. 4 and in full operation in Fig. 5. Figs. 6 and 7 illustrate a modification of the construction shown in the preceding figures. Fig. 8 illustrates a modification of the elastic retainer. Fig. 9 illustrates a further modification wherein electrical connection is effected between the commutator bars and the core, the retaining disc being immovably attached to, the shaft. 7

Likeparts are indicated by similar characters of reference throughout the several views.

The structure of the electric motor per se,

forms no part of the present invention,

which pertains wholly to the short circuit- 1ngmeans for the commutator bars, by

which the motor is caused to operate alter a repulsion motor and as the speed approaches its normal ormaximum rate of rotation automatically changes its character, and runs as an induction motor. Briefly described it consists of a field or stator of laminated toothed construction having a single winding thereon connected to the supply circuit and a progressively wound armature or rotor :''with a commutator engaged by brushes during the starting or repulsion period together with speed controlled devices for short circuiting the armature windings thru the commutator after the armaturehas attained a predetermined speed, which speed controlled means in some instances lifts the brushes from the commutator' simultaneously with the short circuiting operation. There is no .electrical'connection between the stator and the rotor.

' The currents in the stator create an alternatings, whereupon the speed controlled devices operate to automatically short-circuit the armature winding thru the commutator.

Thus the motor is automatically transformed from a repulsion type into an induction motor having what is essentially a squirrel cage rotor. It is the improvement of the speed operated governing or short circuiting device .which forms the subject matter of the present invention. One of the advantages of a machine of this type is that it is in herently a constant speed motor having a high starting torque with low current consumption or minimum current surge.

The straight repulsion motor without compensation gives the most eflicient starting torque possible while the single phase induction rotor with the squirrel cage armature or its equivalent affords the most efli= cient motor when running. v

A repulsion-induction type of motor combines these most desirable qualities in a single machine, as it possesses such high startmg torque characteristics it is well adapted,

for operating machinery which starts under full lead, as pumps, air compressors, grinding mills, etc. Requiring no starter they are adapted for automatic control, or distance operation. They start quickly and op-' erate quietly and smoothly.

The above is offered merely to facilitate a thorough understanding of the purpose of the invention, and with no intent nor desire that it shall in any way be construed as limitin or restricting the application or scope of the invention.

, Referring to the drawings, 1 is the motor frame or housing,.in which is located the annular stator 2, within which rotates the rotor 3, carried upon the shaft 4, mounted in suitable bearings l in the-opposite ends of the frame or housing. As shown in the drawin s, the stator is of laminated form, while t e rotor comprises the usual laminated core carrying a series of windings orcoils (not shown in the drawing), the several coils being connected to corresponding commutator bars 5. The commutator comprises a plurality of the bars 5 suitably mounted upon and insulated from a head 6,

central boss of this disc ma a; suitable andrawings, which carry brushes 9, intercon- I nected one with the other and bearin the. periphery of the commutator. no is the usua form of motor to which the present invention is applied.

The short circuiting device forming the u on subject matter hereof comprises a conductor v collar 10, slidably mounted upon the shaft 4 adjacent to the commutator. This conductor disc 10 is'of concave or dished formation,

having at its center and surrounding the shaft'4 an inwardly flanged boss 11. This central boss 11 is of such extent that it "engages the insulating head 6 of the commutator and forms a stop to limit the approach of the outer edge of the disc 10 toward the terminal facesof the commutator bars'5.

The conductor disc 10 is pressed inwardly or toward the commutator by a helical sprin 12 interposed between the inturned flange o the central boss 11 of said disc and a stop collar 13 fixed upon the rotor shaft 4. As

shown in Figs. 4 and 5, this collar 13 may a form a support or bearing for the disc 10 upon which the disc slides to and from the commutator. The inturned flange of the ing bearing upon the she t 4. These bear.- mgs may be quite loose,.and there will be but little friction or wear, at these bearing points. The outer periphery of the disc 10 alsohave a slidis inturned or flanged at, 14, to afford a lim-- itin stop for the centrifugally controlled con uctor slugs, hereafter described. The intermediate or web portion of the disc 10 is inclined or concaved to afford a cam sur-' face against which the centrifugally controlled conductor slu s operate in their outward movement to a 0rd a wedging action, which eventually shifts theconductor disc outward against the tension of its retracting spring 12.

' Located intermediate the conductor disc 10 and the terminal face of the commutator is a series of, radiallydisposed conductor slugs 15 of a substantially trapezoidal form.

The number of these slugs greatly exceeds that of the commutator bars, there being preferably an average of one and. a half to two conductor slu s '15 for each commutator bar. The s ugs .5 have each a slotted opening 16 therein thru which extends an' elastic retainer shown. in Fig. 3 as two close coils of a helical sprin The slugs 15 are strung upon the e astic retainer 17 closely together in a bead like fashion, whereby upon contraction of the elastic retainer 17, they are drawn into close association one with the other. The series of slugs assembled upon the retaining ring 17 are normally loosely located within the disc 10 intermediate the disc and the commutator against which the perpendicular inner faces of the slugs are'pressed by the retraction of the disc 10 under the influence of its spring 12 as the slugs move outwardly. The'slugs 15 have an outer inclined edge or face 18 substantially agreeing with the inclination or concavity of the disc 10. It will be understood that the ring 17, while possessing suflicient tension to retract the slugs 15 when the rotor is at rest or operating at a subnormal speed, the tension is not suificient to resist to any great degree, the outward movement of the slugs under influence of centrifugal tendency. The inner or perpendicular faces of the slugs which contact the face of the commutator are slightly beveled or rounded at their inner and outer ends to afford a runner-like action, which facilitates the sliding or wiping movement of the conductor slugs.

So long as the motor operates at a low rate of speed, the centrifugal tendency is not sufiicient toovercome the inertia of the slugs. However, as the speed increases, the slugs 15 tend to move outward, expanding the retaining rin 17, and exerting a camming pressure of t e inclined faces 18 upon the inclined or concave web or face of the disc 10. This camming action or wedgingeifect tends to increase the pressure of the contact of the slugs 15 upon the face of the commutator. As the speed and with it the centrifugal tendency increase, this cammingpressure upon the disc 10 exerts sufficient force to move the disc 10 outwardly against the tension of its retracting spring 12, thus permitting the slugs to move radially outward until they have moved off of the insulating head 6 and into contact with the terminal faces of the commutator bars 5. These slugs 15 thus electrically bridge the individual commutator bars 5 with the common conductor disc 10. It will be understood that the retaining ring 17 is not necessarily a part of the short circuiting shunt. In fact, so far as the essential operation of the device is concerned, the retaining member 17 may be of non-conductive material. The circuit is completed from each commutator bar thru a slug 15 to the common conductor disc 10, thence to another commutator bar, so that all the commutator bars are interconnected one with the other thru the disc 10 and intervening slugs 15. This bridging of the individual commutator bars 5, and the conductor disc 10 common to all, the bars interconnects the armature windings one with another and the armature now becomes in effect, a squirrel cage rotor.

Some constructors have thought it necessary or at least advisable to lift the brushes from contact with the commutator to prearcing can occur between the brushes and.

the commutator, it has not been found necessary to lift the brushes or to separate them from the commutator bars.

As the speed of the rotor decreases and i the centrifugal tendency becomes less effective the conductor slugs 15, are retracted thru the combined tendency of the helical elastic retainer 17 and the pressure of the inclined web or face of the disc 10, under 7 the influence of the retracting spring 12. This retracting tendency causes the slugs 15 to move inward passing in such movement from the conductor bars 5 to the insulating head 6, thereby breaking the contact'between the commutator bars and the disc 10. This returns the rotor to the influence of the brushes 9 and the windings or coils connected with the separated commutator bars 5 whereby the motor again operates under repulsion influence.

In order that the conductor'slugs 15 will not lag or drag in moving into and out of operative position, but will be given a quick action both into and out of operative position, the insulating head 6 may be formed with a circular restraining bead or rib 19, over which the lug must ride. The rib or bead 19 will restrain the movement of'the lugs in either direction. In their outward movement, the slugs will abut upon the ring or bead until the centrifugal tendency is sufficient to overcome the obstacle, whereupon they will shift quickly to their outermost position. Likewise, upon retraction, the rib or bead 19 will restrain the slugs in their outermost position until the retractive force necessary to overcome, the obstacle is sufficient to carry the slugs to their innermost or inactive positions. While the rib or bead is a desirable feature, it is not essential and may be dispensedwith if so desired. Likewise while the elastic or expansible retainer 17 formed as shown of two helical coils is desirable, other forms of flexible connection may be employed. However, the retainer may be omitted, and the slugs assembled side by side intermediate the disclO and commutator entirely independent of each other. The slugs are sufficient in number and sufliciently closely associated that they cannot become materially disarranged, and the camming pressure of the disc 10 under the influence of the retracting spring 12 may be utilized to return the slugs to their normal or central positions.

In Figs. 6'and 7 there is shown a modification in which the retracting spring 12 has been omitted and the disc 10 fixedly attached to the shaft 4. In this construction the disc 10 is of resilient or yielding material. The disc is placed under tension by the outward movement of the slugs 15, thus exerting a direct pressure upon the slugs due to the resiliency of the disc. To further increase the resiliency and insure perfect contact of each slug with its corresponding commutator bar independent of other slugs, the conductor disc 10 may be radially slitted or scored as shown in Fig. 7, whereby the disc becomes a series of closely positioned radial fingers, which bear upon the adjacent slu 1%: a further modification a small helical spring 20 connected into an endless band or loop upon which the slugs 15 are strung may be substituted for the form of elastic retainer shown in Fig. 3. However, as before pointed out, with other conditions favorable, a string orother retainer devoid of elasticity, but possessing sufiicient slack'to ermit the necessary movement of the s ugs may be used in lieu of the expanding ring heretofore described. From the above description it will be apparent that there is thus provided a device of the character described possessing the particular features of advantage before enumerated as desirable, but which obviously is susceptible of modification in its form, proportions, detail construction and arrangement of parts without departing from the principle involved or sacrificin any of its advantages.

While in order to comply with the statute the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details shown, but that the means and construction herein disclosed comprise but one of several modes of putting the invention into effect, and the in vention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications Within the legitimate and valid scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In a short circuiting device for commutators a conductor head rotating in a planeparallel with the commutator but spaced therefrom, the adjacent faces of the commutator and conductor head being inclined in relation one with the other, a plurality of centrifugally actuated weights normally loosely. positioned between the head and commutator and independent of both, said weights having divergent faces substantially parallel with the contact faces of the commutator bars and the conductor head, said weights being adapted by centrlf- 'ugal tendency to be projected in the direction of convergence of said members into 'wedging contact with both said members, to

yieldingly mounted for movement to and from the commutator, the adjacent faces of the conductor head and commutator being convergent in relation one with the other, and speed controlled circuit closing members having elongated opposite substantially straight edges, extending substantially parallel with the adjacent convergent faces of the commutator and conductor head, said members being loosely interposed between the head and commutator and adapted upon increase of speed of the armature to be projected into simultaneous engagement with the head and commutator bars against the yielding tension of the head by which they are pressed against the bars, to interconnect the armature windings one with another thru said'circuit closers and head.

3. In a short circuiting device for commutator's, the combination with a commutator includin a series of bars and a supporting head t erefor, terminating in a substantially common plane, an annular series of independent centrifugally actuated contact slugs located in a plane parallel with and adjacent to the terminal plane of the commutator bars and supportin head, said slugs having substantially straig t marginal edges adjacent to the terminal planes of the commutator (parts having sliding lineal contact in a ra ial direction upon the face of the commutator supporting head and thence onto the ends of correspondinglypositioned commutator bars, by centrifugal influence and an elastic retaining band engaged with.

said slugs against the tension of which they effect their radial movement, and means for guiding said slugs during such radial movement to insure their engagement with the ends of the commutator bars.

4. In a short circuiting device for motors,

'ment with the weights and movable outwardly through centrifugal action thereof, the outward movement of the weights under centrifugal influence being adapted to effect a wiping electrical interconnection of the commutator bars one with another.

5. In a short circuiting device for electric motors, the combination with a commutator of a retaining member upon the motor shaft spaced from the commutator and inclined relative thereto, a series of segmental weight elements operable radially between the commutator and said retaining member and having theirouter ends inclined toward the commutator and annular elastic tension member having co -operative engagement with the weight elements against the tension of which the weight members operate in conjunction with the inclination of the retaining member to effect electrical interconnection of the commutator bars.

6. 'In a short circuiting device for electric motors, the combination with a commutator, of. a retainin member upon the motor shaft in spaced re a-tion with the commutator, a series of independent centrifugally actuated weight members interposed between the commutator and retaining member, said weight members having opposite marginal edges extending substantially parallel with the adjacent faces of the commutator and the retaining member respectively, and an annular elastic spring member against the tension, of which the weight members are radially operable intermediate the retaining member and commutator to effect electrical interconnection between the commutator bars and retaining member.

7. Ina shortcircuiting device for electric motors, the combination with a commutator, of a retaining member uponthe motor shaft in spaced relation with the commutator, a series of independent centrifugally actuated weight members interposed between the commutator and retaining member, said weight members being radially movable under centrifugal influence and having substantially straight marginal edges having extended lineal wiping engagement with the commutator and retainer respectively, an expansible and contractible annular tension member having operative engagementv with the weights of the series, against the yielding tension of which the weights move radially under centrifugal influence to effect electrical interconnection ofthe commutator bars one with another.

.8( In a short circuiting device for commutators, a plurality of speed controlled circuit closers having a sliding engagement in a radial direction upon the cummutator, and an offset upon the commutator in the path of movement of the circuit closers tending to resist the movementthereof substantially as and for the purpose specified.

'9. In a short circuiting device for commutators, a plurality of speed controlled cir- 1 .cuit closers having a sliding engagement in a radial direction upon the commutator, and

an annular bead upon the lateral face of the commutator overridden by the circuit closers in their operative movement tending to temporarily resist the movement thereof, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

10. In a short circuiting device for commutators, a plurality of speed controlled circuit closers slidingly movable into and out of engagement with the commutator bars, and an unyielding obstacle in the path of movement of the circuit closers and deflecting such circuit closers out of their normal plane of radial movement inorder to be overridden thereby and adapted to temporarily resist the movement thereof, substan-' tially as and for the purpose specified.

'11. Ina short circuiting device for commutators, a series of commutator bars to be interengaged, an annular series of contact slugs in juxtaposition thereto and ra-' dially movable by centrifugal influence, elongated outer margins upon the slugs inclined to the axis of rotation of the commutator, and a yielding spring tensioned member engaging the inclined faces in the outward movement of the slugs against the tension of which said slugs are radially movable into engagement with the commutator bars.

12. In a short circuiting device for commutators, a series of commutator bars to be interengaged, an annular series of contact slugs loosely ositioned in juxtaposition thereto and radi'a ly movable by'centrifugal influence, said slug being capable of limited lateral deflection in addition to their radial movement, flat faces upon the slugs inclined to the axis of rotation of the commutator, and yielding means engaging the inclined faces by which the slugs are deflected to- 1 ward the commutator bars in unison with their radial movement.

13. In a short circuiting device for commutators, a series of commutator bars to be interengaged, an annular series of con- 1 tact slugs in juxtaposition thereto and radially movable by centrifugal influence, flat marginal faces upon the slugs inclined to the axis of rotation of the commutator, and a concentric control member exteriorly enclosing the series of slugs and engaging the flat marginal inclined faces thereof upon which it exerts-a camming pressure in opposition to centrifugal influence to yieldingly resist their radial movement. 14. In a short circuiting device for commutators, a series of commutator barito be interengaged, an annular series of contact slu s in juxtaposition thereto capable of limite movement to and from the commutator, 1 and further radially movable by centrifugal influence, substantially flat faces upon the slugs forming upon the series of such slugs a. circumferential surface inclined to the axis of rotation of the commutator, and a con- 13 ries centric member surrounding the series of slugs upon which the inclined faces of the slugs exert a camming action in their radial movement to deflect said slugs toward the commutator bars. 1

15. In a short circuitingdevice for electric motors, a series of commutator bars to be electrically interconnected, an annular series of centrifugally actuated contact members, located in juxtaposition to the lateral face of the commutator, and" an annular contractile spring means, concentrically arranged exteriorly of the contact members, against the tension of which, said members are radially slidable uponthe commutator bars to afiord wiping engagement therewith, under the actionof centrifugal influence. f

16. In a short circuiting device for commutators, a series of commutator bars to be interconnected, a disc yieldingly mounted in spaced relation with the commutator, a spring yieldingly urging the disc towards the commutator, an annular seof radially disposed. centrifugally actuated contact members located intermediate the movable disc and the commutator and movable to alternate positions from each of which their movement is yieldingly resisted by said disc, an annular contractileband against the tension of which the contact members are actuated into engagement with the commutator bars by centrifugal influence, the yielding resistance of the movable disc being opposed to the retroactive influence of the contractile band when the contact members are in their bar engaging position to temporarily restrain the retroactive, movement of the contact members as the centrifugal influence decreases, means for elfecting'retractive movementof the disc against the tension of its spring under influence of increased retractive pressure of the contact members to permit the I disposed '50 retraction of the contact members.

17. In a short circuiting device for commutators, a series of commutator bars to be interconnected, an annular series of radially centrifugally actuated contact members movable to alternate positions, an annular contractile band against theyyielding resistance of which the contact members are actuated into short circuiting enga ement with the commutator bars by centrifugal influence, an axially movable disc located in juxtaposition to the movable contact members, a spring pressing the disc against the contact members, to urge the contact members laterally into engagement with the commutator bars and temporarily restrain their retractlve movement, and means for effecting a retractive movement of said disc against the tension of its spring to permit the return movement of the contact members under influence of the contractile band.

tric motors bars by centrifugal influence, and retard-o ing means yieldin ly restraining the retractive movement of t e contact members under the contractile influence of the. band, said retarding means being overcome by theretractive pressure of the contact members.

19. In a short circuiting devlc'e for electric motors, an annular series of radially disposed weights arranged circumferentially of the motor shaft and actuated by centrifugal influence to effect the short circuiting of the motor windings, an annular contractile band common to all the weights against the yielding resistance 'of which the weights are actuated, an axially movable disc yieldingly pressed against the weights when in their operated positions to temporarily restrain their retractive movement, and a s ring against the tensionof which the disc is retracted and means by which the retractive pressure of the weights will retract the disc to permit the return of the weights under the contractile influence of the band.

20. In a short circuiting device for elecan annular series of radially disposed weights arranged circumferentially of the motor shaft and actuated by centrifugal influence to effect the short circuiting of the motor windings, an annular contractile band common to all the weights against the yielding resistance of which the weights are actuated, and a second spring member opposing the contractile ,infl'uencc of the band to temporarily restrain the weights in their operated positions, and means for automatically retracting said spring to release the weights for return movement when the centrifugal influence has subsided.

21. In a short circuiting device for electric motors, a commutator having a series of bars to'be interconnected, a disc mounted in spaced relation with the commutator bars for axial movement upon the motor shaft, a recessed hub portion carried by the disc and extending toward the commutator, a helical spring enclosed within said recessed hub and surrounding the motor shaft, an annular series of' radially disposed centrifugally actuated weights arranged 'circumferentially of said hub portion intermediate the disc and commutator, an annular contractile band common to the-weights against the yielding resistance of which the weights are movable under centrifugal influence to eifect theshort circuiting of the commutator bars, said disc retractive movement of the disc against the tension of its spring to permitthe return movement of the weights.

22. In a short circuiting device for electric motors, a commutator having a series of bars to be interconnected, a disc mounted in spaced relation with the commutator bars for axial movement upon the motor shaft, :1. recessed hub portion carried by the (llSC and extending toward the commutator, a helical spring enclosed within said recessed hub and surrounding the motor shaft, an annular series of radially disposed centrifugally actuated weights arranged circumferentiallyof said hub portion intermediate the disc and commutator, an annular contractile band common to the weights against the yielding resistance of which the weights are movable under centrifugal influence to effect the short circuiting of the commutator bars, and means by which said weights exert lateral pressure upon the disc to retract said disc against the tension of its spring simultaneously withtheir retractlve movement under the con tractile influence of the band.

23. In a short circuiting device for electric motors, a commutator having a series of bars to be interconnected, a disc mounted in spaced relation with the commutator bars for axial movement upon the motor shaft, a recessed hub portion carried by the disc and extending toward the commutator, a helical spring enclosed within said recessed hub and surrounding the motor shaft, an annular series of radially disposed centrifugally actuated weights arranged circumferentially of said hub portion intermediate the disc and commutator, an annular contractile band common to the weights against the yielding resistance of which the Weights are movable under centrifugal influence to eifect the short circuiting of the commutator bars, and two springs exerting opposing influences upon said weights when in operated position, in which the spring tends to retract the weights, and means whereby the other spring is caused to oppose such retraction until overcome by the influence of the first spring, the dominance of one spring over the other being controlled by the supplemental effect of centrifugal influence.

24. In a short circuitor for motors, a series of bars to be electrically interconnected a short circuiting means including an annu ar series of weights arranged circumferentially of and movable radially under centrifugal influence relative to the motor shaft to effect the electrical interconnection of said bars and governor means therefor including two independent spring elements controlling the movement of said weights, said spring elements being both placed under tension by the outward movement of the Weights under centrifugal influence, and means for opposing the tension of one of the springs to that of the other spring upon initiation of the return movement of the weights upon diminution of the centrifugal influences.

25. In a short circuiting device for commutator-s, a disc niounted for rotation in a plane parallel with the commutator but spaced therefrom, the adjacent faces of the disc and commutator being convergent one toward the other, centrifugally actuated short circuiting means normally loosely positioned between the disc and the commutator adapted to be expanded by centrifugal influence in the direction of convergence of said disc and commutator and into wedging contact with both said members to interconnect the commutator bars and corresponding EVERETT P. LARSH. 

